EXCLUSIVE 〉Scafaria will direct the project, with Sarandon, Byrne, and Simmons attached to star

Lorene Scafaria has signed on to direct THE MEDDLER, with Rose Byrne, Susan Sarandon and J.K. Simmons attached to star. The film’s plot is being kept under lock and key, as the project is still unannounced. The roles Byrne, Sarandon, and Simmons will play are also currently under wraps, but their inclusion in the film elevates the project’s status. I’m also hearing that the budget for the film will be raised significantly following the A-list attachments. With no information having been previously released, Scafaria’s attachment is a huge boost for the indie production’s future.

Scafaria burst onto the scene after writing the Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist adaptation. She also wrote and directed the apocalyptic romance Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, which stars Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley. Next up, she’s set to serve as an executive producer on Relanxious and will write Man And Wife and 40 Days of Dating. She also recently starred in 2014’s Coherence.

Sarandon most recently starred in Ping-Pong Summer and Tammy. The actress have a very busy slate of upcoming films, including Whatever Makes You Happy, Quietus, and The Death and Life of John F. Donovan.

Byrne had an incredibly busy year last year, starring in This is Where I Leave You, Neighbors, and Annie. The in-demand actress will next star in Adult Beginners, Spy, and The Something.

Simmons most recently gave a spectacular, Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-winning performance as a maniacal instructor, determined to find great talent in his students, in Whiplash. He’ll next star in The Accountant, Kong: Skull Island, Terminator: Genisys, and Break Point.

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